So, you’re considering moving to Japan to carve out a career—or maybe you’re already here, peering into the labyrinth that is the Japanese job market. But there’s a catch: you don’t have a JLPT certification to flash around like a golden ticket to potential employers.
Take a breath. This isn’t the end of your ambitions. Yes, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is often heralded as the holy grail for foreigners trying to secure work in Japan, but it’s not the only path. Employers value skills, experience, and adaptability as much as—if not more than—your ability to conjugate verbs in perfect keigo.
Let’s break this down step by step.
1. Why JLPT Certification Matters—and Why It Doesn’t Always
The JLPT, especially the higher levels (N2 or N1), is a widely recognized indicator of Japanese proficiency. Many job postings include it as a requirement because it’s a quick shorthand for employers to gauge whether you can handle communication in a Japanese office.
- N1: Near-native fluency. Needed for highly specialized jobs or roles requiring a lot of writing (e.g., legal, medical).
- N2: Business-level fluency. You can hold your own in meetings, emails, and formal conversations.
- N3–N5: Beginner to intermediate. Not typically enough for professional roles.
However, the JLPT only measures passive skills: reading and listening comprehension. It doesn’t assess your speaking or writing—crucial skills for working in Japan. Some companies care more about how you actually use Japanese in conversation than a piece of paper.
2. Sell Your Strengths: Skills Over Certification
If you lack the JLPT badge, you’ll need to be a little scrappier. The good news is that Japan’s job market is evolving. Many companies, especially in sectors like IT, engineering, finance, and international business, are eager for foreign talent. Your unique skills and experience can outshine the need for perfect Japanese.
- Technical Skills: If you’re an engineer, developer, or designer, your portfolio and experience can speak louder than your language ability. The tech world, in particular, prioritizes skills over language fluency—though learning Japanese will eventually help you integrate more.
- English Fluency: Roles in English-language education, international business, or tourism often prioritize English proficiency and cultural knowledge. Bilingual and “global-minded” candidates are in demand.
- Specialized Knowledge: If you’re an expert in a specific field (e.g., AI, marketing analytics, biotech), some employers may overlook your language level to get access to your expertise.
If you’re lacking in Japanese, be sure to highlight:
- Your previous experience—be specific. “Three years in project management” sounds better than “I managed projects.”
- Soft skills, such as cross-cultural communication, adaptability, or problem-solving.
- Your willingness to learn Japanese. This shows initiative and reassures employers that you’re committed for the long haul.
3. Target Jobs That Don’t Require High Japanese Proficiency
While many traditional companies in Japan still expect advanced Japanese, multinational companies and certain industries are far more flexible. Look for these opportunities:
- Tech and IT: Software developers, data analysts, UX/UI designers, and IT consultants are in high demand. Companies like Rakuten, Mercari, or foreign firms operating in Japan often use English as their working language.
- English Teaching: A common starting point. Programs like JET or private companies such as AEON, ECC, or Gaba hire non-Japanese speakers. Some even provide training and housing assistance.
- Recruitment and HR: Many recruiting firms target bilingual professionals or those who can help hire foreign talent.
- Tourism and Hospitality: The tourism sector needs English-speaking staff, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
- Content Creation and Marketing: Jobs for copywriters, marketers, and video creators exist in global-facing companies.
- Freelancing/Remote Work: You can work for international clients while living in Japan. This gives you time to study Japanese without sacrificing income.
4. Network Like It’s Your Day Job
In Japan, as in many parts of the world, who you know matters. Start building your network now, even if you’re still abroad. Here’s how:
- Attend Job Fairs: Online and in-person fairs like those hosted by Career Forum or Jobs in Japan cater to foreign job seekers.
- Leverage LinkedIn: Surprisingly underutilized in Japan but growing. Optimize your profile, connect with professionals, and join Japan-focused career groups.
- Meetup and Networking Events: Events organized through Meetup.com or sites like Peatix let you meet expats, recruiters, and Japanese professionals.
- Join Facebook Groups: Groups like “Tokyo Expat Network” or “Jobs for Foreigners in Japan” often share job leads and advice.
5. Learn Functional Japanese While You Work
Even if you don’t have the JLPT now, you should work toward improving your Japanese once you land a job. Here’s why:
- It opens the door to more job opportunities and promotions.
- It helps you integrate into your workplace culture.
- It makes daily life in Japan far smoother—ordering food, visiting the doctor, you name it.
You don’t need to aim for perfection immediately. Focus on workplace survival Japanese:
- Learn how to introduce yourself and explain your work in Japanese.
- Pick up key business phrases like otsukaresama desu (“good job today”) or yoroshiku onegaishimasu (“let’s work well together”).
- Use apps like Anki for vocabulary, Tandem for conversation practice, and online courses like Udemy or WaniKani.
Many companies also offer language support or reimbursement for language classes. Take advantage of these perks if available.
6. Target Companies Open to Foreign Talent
Companies with diverse, international workforces are your best bet. Look for:
- Global Companies: Think Amazon, Google, or IBM—companies that hire in Japan but operate in English.
- Startups: Japan’s startup scene is hungry for global-minded employees, especially in tech, marketing, and sales.
- Companies Facing Labor Shortages: Industries like construction, agriculture, and caregiving are increasingly hiring foreign workers due to aging demographics.
Websites like Daijob, Jobs in Japan, GaijinPot Jobs, and LinkedIn are great for finding these roles.
Final Thoughts: Persistence and Adaptability Win
Navigating Japan’s job market as a non-JLPT-certified applicant can feel like you’re playing on hard mode. But remember this: many foreigners have found fulfilling jobs in Japan without perfect Japanese. They did so by playing to their strengths, targeting the right industries, and showing employers their value.
Don’t let the lack of certification hold you back. If you’re willing to put in the effort—both in job hunting and learning Japanese—you’ll find a role that works for you. Japan rewards persistence, and it’s a country where hard work often pays off.
And hey, while you’re job hunting, grab some udon and practice ordering in Japanese. Little victories add up. Ganbatte!